Davy Phillips Update, A Giant Still Walks Among Us...

Last July a contact in Northern Ireland wrote me with the news that “a Giant was going to walk among ye.” Davy Phillips was going to have a try out at the Black Hawks prospect camp. To say the least there was excitement in Belfast among Giants fans. A few days later I found myself watching David Phillips, as the roster listed him show of his skills at camp. He impressed me as a solid stay at home defense man who, bless him could be counted on to stick with a goalie. Phillips looked like the product of good coaching, ready for the AHL and a good fit for Rockford.

After his last scrimmage with the Blackhawks Patrick Kissane and I did a brief interview with him where he was noncommittal but confident considering his future in hockey. The major difference between the European game and what he had experienced in Chicago was size of ice and difference in training of the players. He seemed a young man living on the cusp of his dreams.

Since those moments in the United Center “Phily “ as he is called by his fellow IceHogs has signed an American Hockey League contract, moved into his flat and is adjusting to life in the US. He seems well matched with Rockford, an arena where they dance for every goal and sing chants to the opposing goalie. Much like Davy's previous home with the Belfast Giants. Last Saturday I had a chance to meet with him again after a game. When asked what is the major adjustment he has had to make, again it is the size of the ice. The small ice we play on in North America compared with the larger European ice makes for a faster game. It also demands a quicker mental and physical response time from players. Philips stated he now has to “think faster” on the ice specifically due to this.

There have also been alterations in his conditioning, a core muscle regimen has been added as part of post game cool downs and individual electrolyte drinks. A chance from the single flavor and brand he had in Belfast.

Apparently it hasn't all been training and nutrition. When asked what is his favorite American food he thought a minute and answered “ I don't know if you can call them food, but Reeses Peanut Butter Cups” Good choice Davy!

Belfast Giant Among Us!

Davy Phillips late of Belfast and of the Belfast Giants looking good in a Rockford IceHogs uniform. Here are a few photos there will be lots more, very soon...

K-Zoo Joins forces with Sharks and Flyers

Patrick Kissane, file photo
The speculation is over, the Kalamazoo K-Wings in their newly minted East Coast Hockey League affiliation have joined forces with the San Jose Sharks and the Philadelphia Flyers. Practically this means they will be funneling players to and from Wrochester Sharks and the Phillphedphia Phantoms both of the American Hockey League.

The move of K-Zoo from the IHL to the ECHL is great news for IceHog and Wolves fans, as it means the Gwinette Gladiators the shared farm team for the Wolves and Hogs will be a four hour drive away a couple of times a season. To those who have never been to Kalamazoo is is a lovely old barn of a stadium and easy to find off of the interstate. Three years ago it was the site of one of the best games I have ever witnessed in my life, game 6 of the 2007 Colonial Cup Championships a knock down drag out fight between the then United Hockey League K-Wings and the Rockford IceHogs. The game had everything, broken glass, a hole in the net, and to top it off a goalie fight! I can't wait to go back, can you say road trip?

David Phillips On Defense, I like what I see...

It is hard to get a real grip on a player with as brief a look as I got of Davy Phillips last month. True, there were the web casts of the Giants games last winter where I was introduced to this young man holding his own in a in a 20 minute bench clearing brawl against arch rival Newcastle Vipers. Feel the love...Hey, they all shook hands at then end of the game! What caught my attention about Davey Phillips is simple he is a blueliner who stays at home. You don't need a Low Jack to find him on the ice.

This is what I like best about him though... just look at these photos on two days of camp there he is, he gets it, simply gets it. Nobody comes between you and the goalie! Pewee stuff but how many goals, games and series have been lost because some go getter got between a D-man and the goalie. It all comes down to the basics and it looks like Phillips has this one rock solid. Davy Phillips may have "player development" ahead of him in the next year in his transition from the Elites to the American Hockey League looking toward the National Hockey League but David has a good start.




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To quote Roddy Doyle, " It's a start and I believe in starts" , the American commitment for this young man is beginning . The rest of the good stuff should follow.

Third Valentine, Jason Krog!

The time has come to welcome Jason Krog back with his summer Valentine. Last year when he signed with Manitoba the first thing I said to my contact in Winnipeg was how happy the team photographer was going to be. Jason Krog is one of the most photogenic players on the ice today. He looks great in a suit off the ice but put him on skates and sweat him up and he becomes Jim Morison on ice. Happy days are here again for Chicago based hockey photographers, Jason Krog, 2008 AHL Most Valuable Player and scoring machine is back on home ice!


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A Belfast Giant Sheds Teal for Red, David Phillips Signs as an IceHog!

It was announced to day by Rockford IceHogs team management that defenseman David Phillips has been signed to a one year AHL contract with the club. It was first reported here that Phillips a Belfast Giant, would be attending the Chicago Blackhawks prospect camp earlier this month. Obviously the young Englishman impressed for he will be around to carry the flag for British hockey program in Rockford for the next season.

Meanwhile back in Belfast it was announced this last week that David's older brother, Kevin Phillips, would be taking his own place on the Belfast Giants blueline. Obviously Giants ownership sees what they like in the Phillips boys.

Photos of David Philips will be published at a later date.

Waiting for the Call, Blackhawk Goalies....

Summer time and the hockey news slows down to a trickle between camps and contracts. This weeks flutter is the resigning by Wolves parent club the Atlanta Thrashers free agents Scott Lehman and Grant Lewis, two weeks ago goalie Kari Lehtonen inked his contract. Don't expect to see anyone of those names back in Chicago unless the injury bug bites and a reconditioning assignment comes our way.

The Hawks goalie situation still continues to fascinate me, with Nikolai Khabibulin out of the picture, Cristobal Huet, Antti Niemi, and Corey Crawford move up the roster. Both Niemi and Crawford are looking to star in the big show only one will get the call for the opening Hawks game. The Hawks organization has an embarrassment of riches in their stable goalie wise, tough choices will need to be made before it is decided who will be wearing the colors of Chicago or Rockford .

If anyone need reminding what the two top prospects to back up Cristobal Huet look like here are a few images of the boys from Rockford, Corey Crawford and Antti Niemi.


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On a happy side note news has reached us that Mike Peck the voice of the Rockford Icehogs and "Mr Hockey " is back home and recovering with his family. Those of us at Powderhornhockey and it's sister blog Sit Down and Shut Up wish Mike and family a continued recovery and all good things. Including the Chicago style hot dog with the works he has requested.

Chicago Wolves Win last game of Season5:2 over IceHogs

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A year ago when the last post of the Wolves season was made made it was full of exclamation points and happy chatter regarding the winning of the Calder Cup. This year although having won their last game the boys from Rosemont will be cleaning out their lockers on Monday and calling for tee times on Tuesday. Meanwhile their counterparts with every team within a hundred and fifty miles will be packing their gear and looking to see who will be their first playoff opponent.

In last nights win over the Rockford IceHogs the Wolves played the role of spoiler beautifully. With this loss the Hogs are no longer in control of their own destiny. They will find out who and where they will play next after today's game in Houston. Will it be in warm sunny Texas? Or will da Hogs face powerhouse Milwaukee having fallen into 4th place? This is what happens when you don't play like you mean it boys.

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The game started out with discipline enough then got a bit out of hand when at 1:50 the first period Rockford enforcer and Ex-Wolf Sean McMorrow received a double minor (4:00) for "attempted head butting" and Mike Brennam 2:oo for interference. This set up a rocket of a Chad Denny Special assisted by Martins and Sterling at 3:39. By the 14:51 the score was 5:0, Referee Dan Banfield (44)was beginning to add up the PIMs on Rockford including a game misconduct on Kyle Beach for boarding which resulted in a facial injury to Alex brooks. In the end it would be 31 min/10 inf for Rockford and 13min/7inf for Chicago. The low penalty count possibly could be attributed to the "playoff style" of calling penalties by Referee Branfield, which kept this important game for Rockford flowing and let the guys play.

Both Rockford goals were scored by Akim Aliu a BlackHawks prospect who like the Wolves Danick Paquette is fresh up from the Major Juniors. Like Paquette he arrives with a killer check and reputation for a nasty temper. Unlike the Wolves prospect Aliu is over 19 yeas of age and will be in either wear a Rockford or a Blackhawks uniform this fall. It will be most interesting to see how accurate the years of observations and mixed scouting reports on this talented young man have been. No one doubts his ability to put the puck in the net or take an opposing player out of play, but can he remain cool when the ice gets hot?

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As Kissane and I left the arena last night talking about where we might go for playoff games in the next weeks. We also talked about season ticket plans for next year. Things seem to of changed for many of the long term season ticket holders, bless our reps, they are still there for us. The ushers in our sections are people we depend on weekly to keep order. But something has changed. There is something different and altered to the point that most of the long term season ticket holders we talked to are going to have a long thought process over the summer as to downgrading their packages. It's not the loosing season, it's something else, times are tough we all are making hard choice as to how to spend our hard earned and disappearing dollars. The easy way would be to say on "Fan appreciation night" we just didn't feel appreciated. I'd go back a bit farther...

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Two years ago I covered the Colonial Cup series between the then UHL Rockford IceHogs and the Kalamazoo K-Wings. After the series ended in Rockford the on ice celebration went on for over an hour. But it was very different than the one we observed at the Allstate last year after the Wolves won the Calder. The IceHogs constantly made an efforts to engage the crowd, the fans were as much of a part of the celebration as the team. Look at the photos the Hogs are facing the crowd the Wolves are facing each other and forming a circle closing the fans out. Management teams change, decisions are made to keep sports franchises alive during difficult times that often season ticket holders don't understand the logic of. However, as one who has a voice, I feel the need to express the murmurs of discontent. As one of the true faithful expressed it"we felt as if our hockey family left us". These are tough times, discretionary funds are drying up in family budgets, now may be the time for the front office to turn outward and listen. Sometimes all it takes is giving the impression that you are listening, give a damn and embrace the odd new idea. Now that may help make for a happier " fan appreciation night" that has nothing to do with a winning season.

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But what do I know? I'm not an expert, just an observer, photog and I comment on what I see and record of the game I have loved and followed most of my life. In the end the pond never leaves your heart.

Here are some images of the last nights game. Not to worry my kit is still out and I will be covering the road to Lady Calder. The Wolves may be cleaning out their lockers but the second season is just starting for my partners and I. There are the playoffs, rookie camps and hopefully Traverse City to cover. Let's not even think about what arena my Canon and I might be ensconced in come October.

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Ice Hogs Do Wolves a favor, Lose 4-1 to Milwaukee

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Last night before a sold out crowd at the Metro center the Rockford Icehogs did themselves no favors, losing to division leading Milwaukee in great style. My blogging partner, Kris Gray at the Chitowndailynews.org described the loss "not being pretty".
With this loss Wolves playoff hopes are rejuvenated. As it was described to me by a Wolves fan and mistress of all things statistical in order for the Wolves to make the playoffs the Hogs need to loose all remaining games and Wolves need to win win them all. Why does the song "Stay'n Alive" keep running through my head this morning. Thanks Hogs.

On the snarky side last nights win by Milwaukee featured an unassisted goal being scored by Justin Taylor at 2:36, in the first period. Taylor was recently released by the Wolves and was picked up by the Admirals this week. Later today the Wolves will face Milwaukee at the Bradley center, after scoring last night Taylor will probably be out looking for more, sweet revenge.

Last night during the game an old friend Akim Aliu also showed his feisty side for the IceHogs. This young man fresh up from the Major Juniors was tapped to serve a 2 minute " bench minor for unsportsmanlike conduct" at 17:13 in the third period. This evidently turned into a 10 minute "misconduct-abuse of officials " at 19:13 was it something he said? Not a good way to start out the AHL season Akim.

Hockey never lets you down, how can you not love this stuff?

Wolves win first of the season in Rockford 3:2

Last night the Wolves packed up their gear and headed down route 90 to meet their rivals the Rockford Icehogs. Coach Don Granato must have been on a roll all the way because the Wolves came out fighting, The two new acquisitions Brett Skinner and Clay Wilson played aggressive game, not missing a beat with their new teams. Robert Gherson in net for the night well, with a bolstered defense in front of him, he played with confidence. Dare I say it...hours before tonights game against the Quad Cities, the light at the end of the tunnel may not be a train, but the winter turn around for the Wolves. Last night there was a team playing on the ice not just a bunch of guys in Wolves uniforms. We can hope the same group come out fighting tonight against the Calgary prospects.

On the other side of the rink the Icehogs looked fierce despite having suffered several key injuries. During last nights post game show, Voice of the Hogs ,Mike Peck confirmed that Jack Skille has joined the walking wounded. Sustaining a concussion and has been placed on a “day to day “ list. The strength of the Hogs historically has been is that they have always played as a team. The intense effort to drive the game into overtime after being revived by Jimmy Sparrow's goal at 17:23 was evidence of this. The effort was incredible on the Hogs part, several times it looked as if we were going to head into OT. However, to sustain a lead under such pressure has to be a confidence builder for the Wolves going into tonights game.

The Wolves are 2 and 1 against Quad Cities we shall se how this new found chutzpah will hold up.





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Tale of Three Goalies Episode II

January 10th, Ondrej Pavelec is rumored to have a knee injury and is being evaluated for possible surgery. Brent Krahn is said to be down with the flu, presently making the rounds in the Wolves locker room felling players right and left. Our Rockford reporters are telling us the Wolves scratched 8 players last night, ouch! Time to line up the boys give them all flu shots then lay in a supply of Tamaflu for those that slip through the net.

Robert Gherson has been recalled from his Utah sojourn. If he wanted or needed ice time he is certainly getting it now. During last nights 3:1 loss to the Icehogs he faced 33 SOG turning way 30. I've always maintained you could measure the emotional state of a team by the expression of it's goalies eyes. In this photo Gherson does look a bit overwhelmed, or could it be the flu?

Rockford Icehogs defeat Chicago Wolves 3:2

Tonights Wolves-IceHog game was a match of a different color . No team dominated the ice and both teams pushed each other for 60 minutes. I'll be concise, in my IMHO the Wolves played better as a team while the IceHogs had a goalie in Corey Crawford who in winning his 100the professional game was on, simply on. He was what made the winning difference. Crawford kept the Hogs in the game making save after save and should have been named first star of the game.

Here are some images of the nights action.


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No Joy in Mudville, Hogs and Wolves loose.

It was not a good time to be a minor league hockey fan in Chicago last night. Both of our local teams the Chicago Wolves and the Rockford Icehogs lost to divisional rivals.

The Wolves snatched defeat from the jaws of victory letting a three goal lead slip away during the third period ultimately losing 5:3 to old rivals the Milwaukee Admirals. Admirals goalie Drew McIntyre who many Chicago fans will remember from his years in Manitoba turned away 30 SOG in the loss. While Chicago's Ondrej Pavelec was challenged by 25 SOG. Referee Ian Croft (#87) returned in stripes assigning Milwaukee 26/mi/10 infractions and Chicago 36 minutes for 11 inf.

The turning point of the game for the home team may have come at 15 seconds into the 3rd period when a fight started between Chicago's Mike Hoffman and Milwaukee's Nolan Yonkman. Both men were evenly matched in size and desire to dance, however like may on ice encounters it ended in injuries. It appears that Yonkman may have suffered momentary loss of consciousness hitting the ice and Hoffman a wrist injury. Both combatants were taken into the locker rooms for medical attention immediately after the incident. Although the role of the enforcer is a popular one with fans it needs to constantly be acknowledged how dangerous and difficult it can be. These men are not “goons” but skilled players who provide protection for the smaller line mates often at a high personal price. After Yonkman and Hoffman left the ice it simply seemed the Wolves's air had left it's collective balloon and 5 unanswered goals simply happened in the next 20 minutes.

The Wolves board a plane for Manitoba for Tuesday's game against the Moose. There they will meet old team mates Jason Krog and Gui Desbiens, both of whom are reportedly doing very well in the Manitoba system. Maybe some cold Canadian air, some hot Tim Horton's coffee and the Wolves will snap out of it. If not maybe Desbiens can check some sense into them.

The Icehogs also were also on the negative side last night facing the Iowa Chops losing 5:6. The Hogs had Antti Neimi in goal while the Chops had David LeNevau in the pipes.

No, it wasn't the best night to be a hockey fan in Chicago. The bright spot is that the Hawks don't play the Wild until tonight. Then there is the “Winter Classic” to look forward to in 4 days, minor league fans have something to live for.

Merry Christmas and Thank You!

Christmas morning and I'm up early. The sun is shining for the first time in a couple of days, there is a cup of coffee next to me, it may not be Tim Horton's but you know what, life is pretty darn good on this Christmas Day.

Last Sunday while covering the Rockford game I took a break to meet with friend and colleague, Kris. While we were chatting about lenses, children and hockey I asked her about something she mentioned in an earlier email. It seemed it had been Kris's turn to do the “locker room and bus food” shopping for the team the night before and it had been quite a run. Locker room food?

To those of us who are fans of the AAA and NHL teams this is going to seem like a supportive and amazing story but it is true for Kissane and I have heard it several times between the UHL and ECHL and now with the converted UHL/AHL Icehogs.

Two years ago on a cold winters night Kissane and I found ourselves in Dayton Ohio at a Gwenette Gladiators and Dayton Bombers game. After the game we met with dedicated fans and talked into the early morning hours. One of the topics of conversation was the extensive support the booster club gave to the players. This included furniture and appliances for apartments, and food for every bus trip (individually packaged of course) and “locker room food” at every game. We were simply astounded. Months later in Toledo we heard the same thing including a semi formal practice of families “adopting players”. Families only mind you, no puck bunnies need apply.

Last week was the first I had heard of it in the AHL, it is a practice continued from the UHL Icehogs of the past. Bless these boosters for their dedication to their team in providing them touches of home, food and support when these young men are on their own for possibly the first time in their lives. Yes they are adults being paid well to play a game we played on ponds as kids. But still, it is a lovely thing these families are doing for their teams. Often in smaller cities where the dollar is tighter these days like Dayton,Rockford and Toledo.

So Merry Christmas Kris and all boosters who work to support their teams and worthy causes at the same time. But you know what, that's hockey and on this beautiful Christmas morning life is good.

Wolves Host Pig Roast, beat Icehogs 6:1, Who were those masked men?

Wednesday night Wolves fans left the Allstate Arena worried, very worried. Was it the trip to Turple by one of his own team mates? No, The shelling of Gherson? Not quite. The fact that every line change resembled a flock of peewees tumbling out for their big chance? No, it was the general don't seem to care, don't wanna care, you mean I should care attitude that hung over the bench like a cloud. It was like someone had opened a locker sealed from 05' and the bad karma leaked out. Driving to the game, frankly I expected that if the Wolves continued in this pattern it would be a blow out in favor of the Icehogs.

When I arrived at the Allstate the game was already two minutes old and what lovely sight greeted me? Not one but two Wolves in the Rockford crease waving their rumpuses in Antti Niemi's face.By the time I had gotten to my seat opened my bag Spencer Machacek had drilled the net for the first goal of the game. It would prove to be the first of 6 goals for the Wolves. Possibly the most amazing statistic of the game, that for 6 goals, 11 players awarded assists and three fights no Gordie Howe hat tricks were earned. Glory enough for all!

There is an easy explanation for the turnaround of play among the Wolves.It was rumored that Thrashers coach John Anderson basically told players on the parent club that unless improvements were made big changes were coming, and no one was safe. Player movments up and down would be possible, golaies could be coming and going and possible trade announcements would be forthcoming.
Linkage below:
www.ajc.com/thrashers/.../thrashers_anderson_players.html

How much for that nettie in the window? Kerie Lehentoen looks pretty good right now to these jaded eyes. Could the Wolves be looking forward to spending Christmas in warmer climates? Or have they finally woken up and jelled with their coach Granato, possibly after a few brutal practices this week? Well, a girl can dream.





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We miss you Stewie, our favorite agitator!

It's Saturday morning and as usual I'm at the computer catching up on the weeks photo editing. I have to admit to somewhat enjoying this tedious process. For often ideas come at me when I search through all the photos and sort them one by one, ultimately tossing a thousand or so a week into the trash bin. Today when editing last Sunday's Icehog game photos of Evan Brophy reminded me of a favorite Wolf from years ago. Brophy was yapping at the bench and as he was skating by and at his opposite when he was lining up during face, offs all classic Karl Stewart moves.

For those new to the Wolves or reading this blog Karl Stewart was a LW who played for the Wolves from 2003-06' he played with the spirit of a pond hockey player with clearly on his face. You could see his love for the game in every stride he took on the ice and it was a pleasure to watch him, When he returns to Chicago ice on February 11th with his new team the Rochester Amerks I pray this elan has not been diminished by his two years in the NHL. But there was something else about him, Stewie was pure trouble, an agitator on the ice, all yap his mouth moving all the time. Skating by the opposition bench, stealing the goalies water bottle and squirting himself down in celebration after a goal. He could make us laugh, cheer after one of his many goals and stop our hearts with a break a way that seemed to come from nowhere. No saint on the ice he often seemed to have a target on his back as far as the officiating staff were concerned and often was one of the leaders of the team in PIMs. In essence he was our bad boy and we loved our Stewie for it!

Since Stewart left the team in 06' the Wolves have lacked an adjator and it has seemed to be a missing element in the mix somehow. Yes, Boris Valibik does his best but he doesn't quite have the pure spice of the classic yappers. As the shopping season starts and trade rumors abound in the AHL please Kevin Cheveldayoff find the Wolves a good old fashioned yippy yapper, a nice small dog with lots of fight in him who can drive the other team to distraction . You know the one, he's the guy that reminds you of Spike, the poodle next door!

Blackhawk Rookie Camp 08', Day V.

Friday and the last day of Rookie Camp, it seemed surreal opening my trunk in 90 degree heat and donning a heavy sweater to put over a tank top. That's hockey in July, dressing for both extremes. Friday's game was the abbreviated two 25 minute periods with a 25 minute break. Goalies were switched at the 12 minute mark and remaining netties were given a last chance to impress. Antti Niemi of the Finish Pelicans and a student of Passi Nurmien impressed most in the house. It would not be surprising to see him backing up Corey Crawford in Rockford next October. Utica native Joe Palmer also looks solidly in the pipeline. Give him another year or two of hard work at Ohio State and he will look better still. Link to follow the colegate teams is at right, should you wish to follow Palmer's development along with other college results and rankings.

Another player to set your tickler file for, Kruise Reddick, 18 just last week, plays for Tri-City in the WHL. For the youngest kid in camp he looked very mature.

The end of camp is a study in contrasts. For the small slice, the few that will move up to the pros, either to the Hawks or through Rockford it is the culmination of years of hard work. For the majority of players restricted by age (a player must be 20 to play in the AHL per an agreement with the Major Juniors, meaning a 19 year old makes it to the NHL or goes back to his Junior/Elite team) or college standings it is an invaluable week spent with professional coaches who will give them advice on how to take it to the next level. Work hard and with perseverance you will be back next year showing us how you follow through. The looks on the faces of the players not moving up was not disappointment as one might expect but of pride and determination.





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